Peace Corps Networks: Activating Volunteers for a Lifetime

Abstract

The United States Peace Corps plays an important role in sustainable development and soft diplomacy across the globe through its vast network of cross-national partnerships and personal relationships. Peace Corps volunteers are trained to serve as catalysts for grassroots development, bolstering community initiatives with their network of expertise and resources. While personal connections between volunteers and their communities can sometimes last beyond a volunteer's service, the web of connections created through Peace Corps service has a long-term impact on both volunteers and host communities. The grassroots, "people-investing-in-people" nature of the Peace Corps creates an agile network that can respond both to acute crises and long-term challenges. This article explores the formation and impact of these Peace Corps networks and argues that ongoing investment in the Peace Corps and its global response initiatives is an investment in a more peaceful future.